Corman Hails Passage of Measure Targeting Domestic Violence in Front of Children

Posted on May 24, 2018

(HARRISBURG) – Sen. Jake Corman (R-34) praised the passage of legislation that would lead to tougher sentences for crimes of domestic violence committed in front of children.

“This legislation is important in protecting children from violence and the other issues associated with witnessing violence in the home,” said Corman, who strongly supported the measure. “We need to stop the cycle of abuse that spans generations and causes so much pain and further abuse.”

Senate Bill 1092 provides for a sentence enhancement within the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing’s guidelines for simple and aggravated assault. The legislation came about through work of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association and Cabrini College’s Center for Children of Trauma and Domestic Violence Education.

According to research, half of domestic violence crimes were committed in the presence of at least one child. The short-term impact on children includes increased anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, aggression, difficulty concentrating, social isolation, and lack of empathy. When these children grow up they are more likely to engage in dangerous behavior and are more likely to become an abuser or be abused themselves.

Under Senate Bill 1092, range of sentences would be based on such aggravating circumstances as the assault was committed against a family or household member and the defendant knew the crime was witnessed, either through sight or sound, by a minor who is also a family or household member of the defendant or the victim. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 24 states and Puerto Rico currently address in statute the issue of children who witness domestic violence in their homes.

Passage of Senate Bill 1092 follows March’s Senate passage of a crime victims package targeting domestic abuse. The bill will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.